Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

How to celebrate April Fools Day in France

By Jean
Reading Time: 3 minutes
April fools day France

April Fool’s Day, known as “Poisson d’Avril” in France, is a day filled with laughter, pranks, and light-hearted mischief. For international students living and studying in France, this day offers a delightful glimpse into French humour and cultural traditions.

Here’s how to fully embrace the fun of April Fools Day in France, from classic pranks to sweet treats.

What is “Poisson d’Avril”

The tradition of April Fool’s Day in France is steeped in history, with the “Poisson d’Avril” being the day’s most emblematic symbol. Children and adults alike partake in sticking paper fish onto the backs of unsuspecting friends and family, shouting “Poisson d’Avril!” when the prank is discovered.

But why fish? Theories vary, but one popular explanation ties back to the shift of the New Year from April to January in the 16th century, with those sticking to the old date being called “April Fools” and given fake fish to symbolize a young, easily caught fish or a gullible person.

Pranks and Laughter

April Fool’s Day in France is not just for children; it’s a day when everyone can enjoy a bit of harmless fun. International students can participate by coming up with creative paper fish designs or engaging in light-hearted pranks with their peers. It’s an opportunity to bond over shared laughter and perhaps even to bring a little of your own cultural twist to the French tradition.

Learn how to make your own craft paper fish: https://youtu.be/HDFL15FxWEc?si=0eqVpK6nxh7mp5es

April fools day france

Exploring Beyond the Pranks

April Fool’s Day in France is also a reflection of the French love for wit, satire, and humour, which can be seen in other aspects of cultural life, from literature to theater to the visual arts. For students interested in delving deeper, exploring French comedic films, reading works by famed French humourists, or attending a satirical play can enrich your understanding and appreciation of French humour.

If you are looking for books, movies, series, fun and good resources to improve your French, check out our article: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/best-resources-for-learning-french/

April Fool’s Treats

Bakeries and chocolatiers across France craft exquisite fish-shaped chocolates and pastries, turning the day into a sweet celebration. These treats are not only delicious but also works of art, showcasing the skill and creativity of French artisans.

April Fools Day
france

From Easter to April Fool’s Day

Easter and April Fool’s Day in France are two distinct celebrations; the first one is celebrated on March 31st while the second one is celebrated the following day on April 1st.

A sweet link between the two is the tradition of giving and consuming chocolates. For Easter, chocolates come in the form of eggs, bunnies, and bells, symbolizing new life and the resurrection. For April Fool’s Day, chocolate fish (Poissons d’Avril) are popular. Both celebrations have elements of fun and play. Easter has its egg hunts and April Fool’s Day its pranks—both encourage lightheartedness and joy among participants, from children to adults.

Learn how to celebrate Easter in France here: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/how-to-celebrate-easter-in-france/

Celebrate April Fools Day

For international students, April Fool’s Day is an invitation to join in the fun, to learn through laughter, and to experience firsthand the joyous spirit that animates French society. So this April 1st, embrace the playful traditions of “Poisson d’Avril” and let the spirit of the day draw you closer to the heart of French culture.

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

While Standard French is the official and most widely spoken language in France, many regional dialects continue to shape the country’s linguistic landscape. Some are closely related to French, while others are linguistically unrelated. Learn more about dialects spoken in France in this article. Historical background The shift toward a single national language began in...
French and Italian are both Romance languages with Latin roots—but how similar are they, and what does that mean for language learners? Let’s explore the key similarities and differences between French and Italian. Similarities between French and Italian While French and Italian each have their own unique identities, they share foundational traits thanks to their...
Living in France long term takes more than just a dream—it requires planning, persistence, and the right steps. This 5-year guide will help you navigate language learning, education, and employment so you can build a stable and rewarding life in France. First things first: Is France really for you? Moving abroad for the long term...
Want to do something meaningful this summer? If you apply now, you could be spending your summer vacation in France learning about the language and experiencing the culture! Why learning French in France is the fastest way to make progress Immersing yourself in French culture is the fastest and most effective way to improve your...
Are you a teacher, tutor, or organization planning a school group trip to France? We’re here to help you organize the experience you envision. We specialize in crafting immersive educational experiences, making it easier than ever for schools, universities, and other educational institutions to organize study trips to France. Tailored educational travel for your students...

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help